Food allergy is a chronic disease that is increasing all over the world, and it can even lead to a loss of life. To prevent any incidents resulting from food allergies, most countries keep strengthening their food allergen labeling requirements domestically and internationally, with a constant monitoring system against undeclared allergens and recall of offending products. In order to avoid economic losses to industry and damages to international relations from undeclared allergens, it is necessary to confirm each country’s regulatory policy on food allergen labeling prior to exportation. Another required action is to try for a reduction of the cross-contamination risk of the allergens during manufacturing and storage, which should be verified by using an accurate and reliable analysis of food allergens. This paper is intended to provide an introduction to the regulation of food allergen labeling by country, allergen management methods to avoid cross-contamination, and allergen detection methods using ELISA, PCR, and LC/ MS. Changes of allergenicity during thermal or nonthermal processing also will be investigated in our review. This review will be helpful for the food industry to better understand patients suffering from food allergies and to manage food allergens in food manufacturing.

The purpose of this study was to develop an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (indirect ELISA) based on a monoclonal antibody (MAb) that is specific to mackerel thermal stable-soluble protein (TSSP), that can be used for the rapid detection of mackerel in processed marine foods. Among the four MAbs (3A5-1, 2, 9, and 12) developed in previous studies, the 3A5-2 MAb that showed high specificity and sensitivity were selected and used to develop the indirect ELISA method. The detection range of the indirect ELISA was 0.02%-0.001% and the detection limit of 0.001% was shown. No cross-reaction to other marine products and food ingredients was observed by the indirect ELISA. Processed marine foods containing mackerel with ≥ 0.3 O.D. value at 405 nm were estimated as positive samples by the indirect ELISA. Therefore, the indirect ELISA can be used as a rapid and sensitive method to identify mackerel authenticity and adulteration in processed marine foods.

An importance of food allergen detection has been growing in food industry. Here, we developed a rapid and easy-to-use detection system for Ara h1, a major allergen in peanut, using gold nanoparticles and switchable linkers. The detection system was performed by two steps. In the first step, Ara h1 was mixed with various concentrations (0.2 - 1.0μg/mL) of biotinylated anti-Ara h1 antibody (i.e., switchable linker, SLs) solutions for 20 min. After mixing, streptavidin coated gold nanoparticle (Abs. 4.0) was added to the mixture solutions with agitation for10 min. Without Ara h1(control), the region of aggregation caused by quantitative relationship between SLs and gold nanoparticle was observed at more than 0.4 μg/mL of SLs. However, under presence of Ara h1, SLs covered with Ara h1 had less ability to react with gold nanoparticles than naked SLs. This resulted in a change of the quantitative relationship mentioned above, which led to shift of the aggregation region. When 10 nM and 40 nM of Ara h1 were added, the aggregation region was appeared from 0.5and 0.8 μg/mLof switchable linkers, respectively. Ara h1 in peanut sample was also detected with this system. 0.4 μg/mL of switchable linkers are mixed with serially diluted peanut extract solutions. As a result, the shift of the aggregation region was observed from undiluted extract to 10 -2 diluted solution. This system could be adapted to detect other harmful/useful bio materials in food.

The intradermal test (IDT) has been developed for confirming diagnosis of canine atopic dermatitis (CAD). Prior to performing IDT, rapid immunoassay (Allercept E-screen 2nd generation; ES2G) can detect allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in canine serum. The objective of this study was to evaluate agreement between IDT and immunoassay in diagnosis of CAD in domestic atopic dogs. Forty dogs were diagnosed with CAD in accordance with Favrot’s criteria. Intradermal testing was performed using 39 selected allergens. ES2G detected IgE antibodies specific for three allergen groups, including indoor allergens, grasses and weeds, and trees. Among 19 dogs diagnosed by IDT, the highest positivity was observed in house dust mites, followed by molds, epidermis and inhalants, house dust, and weeds. A total of 28 atopic dogs were evaluated by rapid ES2G immunoassay. Indoor allergens showed the strongest positive reaction, followed by grasses/weeds and trees. IDT and ES2G were performed concurrently in 17 dogs. The results of ES2G showed slight agreement with those of IDT. Level of agreement was highest for indoor allergens, which showed a predictive positive value of 100% in ES2G. These results indicate that a rapid immunoassay may be valuable for predicting the results of IDT in atopic dogs sensitized to indoor allergens.

Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is an allergic skin disease with characteristic clinical features associated with immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. Identification of the causative allergens is the diagnostic goal, which is essential to treat and manage CAD patients. CAD is commonly associated with environmental allergens surrounding the patients. For this reason, it is important for diagnostic tests to select allergens that are related to the environment of each country and each province. There are two main allergen-specific tests, serological IgE test (SAT) and intradermal skin test (IDT). SAT did not show direct cutaneous reaction but did show serological reaction against allergens. However, SAT is simpler and more convenient than IDT in small animal practice. In this study, we selected domestically prevalent allergens for SAT, including 60 food allergens and 60 inhalant allergens, and tested eight dogs tentatively diagnosed with CAD based on Favrot’s criteria. Furthermore, IDT was performed on four dogs from the SAT group for comparison of SAT and IDT, and the results were very similar. In SAT, four types of mites (Bloomia tropicalis, Glycophagus domesticus, Euroglyphus maynei, and mite mixture 1 Korea; house dust mites), four types of molds (Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria alternata, mold fungi mixture 11, mold fungi mixture), and one type of pollen (tree pollen mix 3 Korea) induced a reaction in more than half of dogs tested. In IDT, all four dogs reacted positively to Dermatophagoides farinae, and three reacted positively to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and house dust. The mean agreement rate between SAT and IDT in this study was 76.3%. This is the first trial to apply local allergens for SAT in Korean veterinary medicine, and it might play an important role for diagnoses and management of animal allergic diseases.

This study was conducted to analyze dust mite allergen and bacterial endotoxin concentrations in the subwaycabins. For this aim, we sampled dust using a vacuum cleaner on cabin seats of subway trains operating in threeSeoul Metro Lines from April to May in 2011. The concentration of dust mite allergen and endotoxin were1,137.51±806.26ng/g and 5,742.1(4.68)EU/g, respectively. While, the concentration of dust mite allergen washigher on cabin seats of subway trains in Line B(1,487.61±930.59ng/g) than on those of trains in Lines A andC(641.9±398.3 and 1,344.9±822.4ng/g). All measurements did not exceed the National Workshop Guidelineof 2,000ng/g. While, bacterial endotoxin concentration [GM (GSD)] was higher on cabin seats of subway trainsin Line A [12,373.21(4.97EU/g)] than on those of trains in Line B and C8,520.77(3.98) and 1,631.43(1.88)EU/g. Dust mite allergen concentrations were strongly influenced by the portion of underground (on the subway line)and endotoxin concentrations were significantly correlated with the number of passengers using the subway lines.Seats for seniors and the week showed relatively higher concentrations compared to seats for general passengers.But, no significant difference of dust mite allergen and endotoxin concentrations in the subway cabins was foundrelating to seat type (p=0.451, p=0.564). There was no correlation between the dust mite allergen levels andendotoxin levels in the subway cabins (p=0.439).

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) is one of the traditional crops and there is a growing global attention as a healthy food because of its rich nutrition. Buckwheat allergy is an IgE mediated immediate-type reaction and it is considered to be a critical allergen because it causes severe allergic reactions by small amount of intake particularly in children. In this issue of Buckwheat allergy, research papers about various topics - major allergens of buckwheat, clinical reports, detection methods and methods to reduce allergenic reaction - were reviewed. Major buckwheat allergens reported and listed on IUIS are Fag e 1 with molecular weight 24 kDa, Fag e 2 with molecular weight 16 kDa and Fag e 3 with molecular weight 19 kDa. PCR and ELISA methods have been used to detect buckwheat allergens. Recently, the LC/MS method has been developed to apply to detect buckwheat allergens. In addition to detection methods development, there have been efforts to reduce buckwheat allergens using chemical and/or physical methods, but not commercialized yet.

Venom allergen-like protein 2 (Vap2) was characterized from the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, which is a destructive pathogen in several countries including Japan, China and Korea. Among three vaps of B. xylophilus (Bx-vap)reported in GenBank, Bx-vap2 showed the highest transcript level in both pine-grown propagative stage (PGPS) and media-grown propagative stage (MGPS). Bx-vap2 also was revealed that its transcript level over 10-fold increased in PGPS. In addition, western blot using BxVap2-polyclonal antibody showed that expression level of BxVap2 was significantly increased in PGPS. In immunohistochemistry, moreover, strong signals were detected around putative subventral gland in PGPS, whereas weak signals were observed in MGPS. These experimental results suppose pathogenic function of BxVap2 and migration assay using Bx-vap2 knock-down worms by RNA interference supports this postulation.

The American house dust mite, Dermatophagoides farinae Hughes, is the most important factor of allergic diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, rhinitis, and asthma. The protein-denaturing activity of nerolidol (1), chrysin (2), and spathulenol (3) identified in the Brazilian propolis against D. farinae was evaluated using SDS-PAGE and dot-blot immunoassay. Results were compared with those of the currently available dust mite protein-denaturing agent tannic acid. SDS-PAGE showed that application of test compounds and tannic acid (100 μg each) caused complete disappearance of D. farinae protein bands. In a dot-blot immunoassay, test compounds and tannic acid (100 μg each) strongly inhibited the IgE-binding reactivity to D. farinae protein of a highly mite-sensitive asthmatic patient. The Brazilian propolis constituents described merit further study as potential dust mite-allergen denaturants for protection from humans from various diseases caused by house dust mites.

House dust mites (HDMs) play an important role in the occurrence of allergic diseases such as asthma and atopic dermatitis. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) is one of the most prevalent HDMs. It mediates the activation of T cells and monocytes, and induces the elevation of immunoglobulin E levels in allergic diseases. However, the effects of Der p on human monocytes have not been fully understood. In the present study, we investigated whether or not Der p has a great effect on the chemotactic activity of the human monocytic cell line, THP-1 cells, as induced by CC chemokines. We also show that the Der p extract (DpE) increased the chemotactic activity of THP-1 cells in response to MCP-1, RANTES, MIP-1α, and TARC, but has no effect on the expressions of CC chemokine receptors (CCRs) binding to CC chemokines in THP-1 cells. Protease inhibitors, such as aprotinin and E64, blocked the increased chemotaxis, while cytoplasmic Ca2+ influx mediated by these chemokines was inhibited by DpE. These results indicate that DpE increases the chemotactic activity of THP-1 cells in response to CC chemokines by regulating the cells’ protease-dependent mechanism. This finding may be useful in identifying the pathogenesis of allergic diseases induced by Der p.

This study was followed up asthma incidence rate in primary schools indoor air quality. To investigate the history and prevalence rate of allergic diseases(asthma, atopy dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis), the standardized and generally used International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood(ISAAC) questionnaire was used to conduct the symptom survey for all participating subjects. The concentrations of major indoor air pollutants(dust mite allergen, aldehydes , VOCs, TBC, phthalate) were observed from April to May 2007. Sampling was undertaken at 19 primary schools. The sampling sites of air pollutants are classroom’s indoor and hallway. Dust mite allergen part it was detected from the case classroom and infirmary. The exposure quality of aldehyde and the place pollution level was indoor>outdoor>hallway, which whole is disease incidence rate high group appears more highly the low group than. The partially result of formaldehy and VOCs, the concentration of high environmental disease incidence rate showed also high. However, house dust allergen, TBC and phthalate measurement school was not the effect where the comparison of difference.

Increased total IgE and eosinophil count levels are thought to provoke the occurrence of urticaria. The purpose of this study is to measure serum total IgE levels, specific IgE sensitization rates, and blood eosinophil count and to investigate the relationship between those factors. Among children who visited the Department of Pediatrics at Chosun University Hospital from January 2011 to December 2013, we retrospectively analyzed 63 patients with acute urticaria. Positive rates of the total serum IgE level, specific IgE, and blood eosinophil count were analyzed in patients with acute urticaria. A total of 63 patients were included in the study and the rate of males to females was 1: 0.8. Mean age of patients was 6.41±4.97 years (range 0-17 years). Among the subjects, 42.9% of patients showed an elevated serum total IgE and 63.5% of patients showed at least more than one allergen-specific IgE by MAST (multiple allergosorbent test). The mean number of allergens detected in positive patients was 2.42±2.56/patient. The serum total IgE and allergen specific IgE showed significant positive correlation (OR = 0.290, p=0.02). This study is meaningful as it revealed a positive correlation between serum total IgE and allergen specific IgE in urticaria patients.

Soybean proteins are widely used for human and animal feeds worldwide. The use of soybean protein has been expanded in the food industry due to their excellent nutritional benefits. But, antinutritional and allergenic factors are present in the raw mature soybean. P34 protein, referred as Gly m Bd 30K, has been identified as a predominant immunodominant allergen. The objective of this research is to identify the genetic mode of P34 protein for the improvement of soybean cultivar with a very low level of P34 protein. Two F2 populations were developed from the cross of "Pungsannamulkong" x PI567476 and "Gaechuck2ho" x PI567476 (very low level of P34 protein). Relative amount of P34 protein was observed by Western blot analysis. The observed data for the progeny of "Pungsannamulkong" and PI567476 were 133 seeds with normal content of P34 protein and 35 seeds with very low level of P34 protein (X2=1.157, P=0.20-0.30). For the progeny of "Gaechuck#1" and PI567476, the observed data were 177 seeds with normal content of P34 protein and 73 seeds with very low level of P34 protein (X2=2.353, P=0.10-0.20). From pooled data, observed data were 310 seeds with normal content of P34 protein and 108 seeds with very low level of P34 protein (X2=0.156, P=0.50-0.70). The segregation ratio (3:1) and the Chi-square value obtained from the two populations suggested that P34 protein in mature soybean seed is controlled by a single major gene. Single gene inheritance of P34 protein was confirmed in 32 F2 derived lines in F3 seeds, which were germinated from the low level of P34 protein obtained from the cross of "Pungsannamulkong" and PI567476. These results may provide valuable information to breed for new soybean line with low level of P34 protein and identification of molecular markers linked to P34 locus.

Allergen-removed-extract was produced from Rush verniciflua by two phase methods. Phase one was high temperature treatment of Rush verniciflua tree to get allergen-removed-extract. Phase two was extraction of solution from phase one product using water or organic solvents. The solutions from above method show high antioxidant activity, anticancer activity, and improvement in lung function, but did not contain urushiol family compounds.